AUSTIN, Texas – A historical marker is now honoring the history of African and Mexican-Americans at the Wood Street Settlement at Shoal Creek.

After the Civil War, the creek became a settling place for freed slaves. The marker was awarded by the Texas Historical Commission identifying Shoal Creek as a noteworthy point in Texas history.

Shoal Creek acts as a natural western border to the city. The north side of Wood Street was previously called home by an enclave of African-Americans and later Tejano tenants.

The African-American settlement housed porters, yardmen, cooks, and laborers. The City’s Master Plan in 1928 forced African-Americans to East Austin. The houses along Shoal Creek were then occupied by Tejanos in what became a cultural commune.

Tejano families lived in the area until the 1980s when flooding demolished the houses. While the physical signs are gone that the creek was once home to numerous cultures, there have been lasting effects on the Austin’s diverse historical geography. 

A ceremony will take place for historical award on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. at Wood Street. Commissioner Wallace Jefferson from the Texas Historical Commission, Joe Ramirez from Travis County Historical Commission, and State Representative, Gina Hinojosa will all speak at the event.

The Shoal Creek Wood Street Settlement will now join the ranks of Texas’ vast marker program with 15,000 historic markers across the state.